Hokies Wrap Regular Season On a High Note

by Panchito Ojeda

Blacksburg, VA - The Hokies wrapped the regular season with wins over NC State (15-11), BYU (11-8), and Liberty (8-5).  This capped off a strong regular season in which the Hokies finished 12-1.

Against the Wolfpack, the Hokies raced out to a 6-0 first quarter lead and 9-1 lead late in the second quarter but the Wolfpack did not fold. They came back to close to 9-7 before the defense held firm and the offense went on a scoring run to finish the game 15-11.  Danny Gaffney ('23) lead the team at the dot winning 22 of 30 faceoffs.

Short turnaround as the Hokies faced #1 Brigham Young on Monday.  The game was a back and forth affair with the score after one being tied 4-4 and at half the Hokies lead 7-6.  The second half would feature a full lock down by both defenses and outstanding play from both goalies.  The teams would enter the fourth quarter tied 8-8.  The Hokies defense buckled down and held the Cougars scoreless, while the offense found it's rhythm and stuck two before getting a third late to earn the victory 11-8.

On Friday, the Hokies battled Liberty Flames in a rivalry game.  Both teams looked to be humming well and this looked like it might be a shootout.  The Hokies defense, building off Monday, played great as they held the Flames to just five goals over the course of the game and scoreless for the final 22 minutes.  Goalie Hunter LeClair ('22) was incredible in night, making 21 saves while giving up just 5 goals.

The Hokies wrapped up the #1 seed from the South for the Atlantic Lacrosse Conference and will face the winner of Pittsburgh v James Madison on Saturday April 30 in Lynchburg.  That game will be played at 5:30pm in City Stadium and will be streamed online via Lacrosse Sports Network.